Networking in the Real World

Even with all the virtual social networking sites out there and the many ways in which you can reach out and touch someone by the mere tapping of a couple of keys and the send button, there is still the occasional need to lug our carcasses out to some event in the real world.

This past Tuesday was such an occasion as I rushed from my last meeting at Adobe to my first Stanford Alumni Event, “How to Work a Room: Effective Tactics Anybody Can Use”. The talk was given by Patti Wilson, who was crowned the “Guru of Silicon Valley career counselors” in the New York Times Best Seller, “What Should I Do With My Life”. This event really peaked my interest as one of the topics listed was “Exit Techniques” – something I am terrible at.

Usually, Tuesday nights when I am not out of town on business are sacred as it is a double-header, back-to-back doses of “Zumba” and kickboxing at my gym, Club One Silver Creek.

The event was worth the sacrifice I made. The talk was entertaining and very informative. All the advice was very useful and spanned the gamet with most unusal and notable suggestions such as:

“Eat Sparingly” – Patti noted that one goes to these events to meet the people, not the food. One should not have both food and drink in hand as you will not have a hand free to greet people. However, she does not that food acts as a great barrier between you and someone who may have a tighter sense of personal space than you may.

“Dyads, Triads and Access” – Here, Patti noted that if you are alone in a room of people, it is much easier to join an odd numbered group than even numbered group. I never thought of this, but fathom this is very true.

For those that are Stanford alumnae and missed this event at Stanford University, my understanding is that they are taking this show on the road and visiting other cities so you may catch it there.

I look forward to following up with you on your thoughts on networking and meeting new people. I extend my hand, and bid you goodbye.

Loni Stark is a self-professed foodie, and adventure travel seeker, and yet is also passionate about technology’s impact on business and creativity. She's the host of our Stark Insider video features. It’s been said her laugh can be heard from San Jose all the way up to the Golden Gate Bridge. She makes no claims to super powers, although sushi is definitely her Kryptonite. Loni's story...